Facile Strategy to Synthesize Magnetic Upconversion Nanoscale Metal-Organic Framework Composites for Theranostics Application

Recently, the design of a theranostics system has involved increasing attention in the area of biomedical applications. In many cases, the intricate synthesis process of upconversion nanoparticle-based composite materials limits the use of theranostics applications. To address this challenge, a nanocomposite has been successfully fabricated by the conjugation of magnetic NaGdF4:Yb/Er nanopartides as an imaging agent and MIL-53(Fe) as a drug carrier through a single step. Simultaneously, folic acid is encapsulated on the surface of the nanocomposite by conjugation chemistry to achieve the targeted drug delivery applications. The synthesized nanocomposite exhibits a sufficient amount of loading ability toward the model anticancer doxorubicin and possesses pH-responsive drug release. The functionalized nanocomposite not only possesses excellent colloidal stability and good magnetic and fluorescence property but also shows superior biocompatibility, strong tumor cell growth inhibitory effect, and cancer-enhanced cellular uptake. It is expected that the synthesized nanocomposite can also serve as a platform for both T-1 and T-2 MRI contrast agents.